Chapter Eleven

“I was born a very, very long time ago,” he began.

How long ago? Deciding it was best not to interrupt, she swallowed her curiosity and settled in to listen.

“Those were the days the gods mingled more in the world of men, often visiting and staying among them. They certainly enjoyed being worshipped and feared. Not to mention having sex with humans.”

Chills raced down her spine. Knowing other creatures existed was one thing. The thought of actual gods running around on Earth was downright terrifying.

“There are many myths and legends, but without getting into the details of the pantheon, the sun god Ra sent a goddess to destroy mortals who had conspired against him.”

Holy crap, she might not know a lot about the Egyptian gods, but she knew that name.

“Her vengeance knew no boundaries. She ripped out the throats of guilty and innocent alike. The sand ran red, a river of the blood of the slain. Not all those she attacked stayed dead. They’d ingested some of her blood during the battle and it changed them.”

“The first vampires,” she whispered.

“Yes. They were filled with a hunger and anger they had no control over. Towns and villages were wiped out as the creatures tried to slake their bloodlust. It threatened to consume the world. Ra saw what had been done and managed to corral the raging goddess. But the gods are capricious creatures, and mankind was left to deal with the fallout.”

“You were bitten.” She’d seen death up close and personal, but this was wholesale slaughter on a scale she couldn’t even imagine.

“Yes.” He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. His throat rippled as he swallowed heavily. Even though he was right beside her, he was miles away, locked in the memories of the past. “It was so very long ago. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember details. I was a sickly child. I’d never been expected to make it to adulthood, but by some miracle I had. I wasn’t as strong as my brothers.”

It was difficult to imagine Asher as anything other than the strong and healthy male he was. Maybe that’s why he became a protector rather than a mindless killer. His experience had taught him empathy.

“Nowadays they’d say I had anemia and treat it accordingly. But I came from a poor family with no education. All they knew was I couldn’t always pull my weight with chores and had trouble tilling the fields for extended periods of time. My father and brothers resented my mere presence, saw me as a drain on the family resources.

“It was a dark night. So dark. Clouds covered the moon, as if it could not bear to watch what was about to occur. We could hear the creatures. The screams. My father and brothers had gone out with the other men to defend us. I remained with my mother. Worthless, my father called me. Told me to stay with the women.”

Her heart ached for the young boy he’d been. “I’m sorry.” Her parents had loved and supported her. He’d never had that.

“It was long ago.”

He kept saying that, but it seemed to be more of a reminder for himself. Some sorrows never left you.

“The door to our home was shattered. I ran at the creature, trying to protect my mother. It knocked me aside. I hit the wall with such force the bone in my arm shattered. She screamed as the monster dragged her outside, kicking and screaming.” His breathing quickened, and his hands fisted on his thighs.

“You don’t have to tell me.” She knew exactly what it would have been like, could hear the shrieks for help, for mercy that never came. Smell the fear and blood. Sweat broke out on her brow.

“I crawled after them,” he continued as though he hadn’t even heard her. “I likely had a concussion from where my head struck the floor. My ears were ringing, and my eyes wouldn’t focus. The vampire was standing over her body laughing. Her neck was torn open. The scent of death permeated the air.”

The image was vivid and far too real. Her breathing was coming too fast. She forced herself to take several deep ones.

“It came for me then. I was ready to die. I’d failed to protect the one person who cared for me. The beast grabbed me by the throat and lifted me off my feet. I could smell its fetid breath on my face. Fangs ripped into my throat. Then it spat out my blood. ‘Worthless,’ he said, just as my father had. Then he tossed me aside.”

“I’m so sorry.” It was inadequate, but there was nothing else to be said, no way to make it better. She understood what it was like to lose family to a monster.

“It was so ironic. The sickness that had plagued me my entire life saved me in the end. The vampire didn’t like my blood. It was weak. Not rich enough. The night waned and morning finally arrived. The stench of the rotting corpses was unbearable. Flies buzzed all around. As I lay on the burning sands with the relentless sun beating down on me, waiting to die, she came.”

Jo swallowed the lump in her throat. “Who?”

“Sekhmet—goddess of war but also of love and protection. She fed me her blood and charged me with the defense of mankind against the new scourge upon the land. I was like them now and needed blood to survive. Unlike them, I could walk in the daylight and required food to survive.” He gave a shrug. “I asked her why me. She told me it was my blood, the thing that always set me apart. To her, it was a sign, a mark of the gods. She made me into a tool to be used.

“I was stronger than I’d ever been in my entire life. The first thing I did with my newfound strength was bury my parents, several of my brothers, and about half of our village. The rest? They were either turned or their bodies had been dragged away and consumed by scavengers.”

A shudder racked her entire body. It would have been grisly and backbreaking work under the unforgiving sun. That he’d done it alone was a testament to his strength of character. Burying family was the most horrendous task. Only those who had been through it could begin to understand the pain and suffering.

“Now you know. That’s how I became the hunter of vampires.”

“But you didn’t destroy them all?”

“There were too many. They covered the land like a swarm of locusts. As the blood was shared and diluted, some of the creatures became more aware. I hunted those whose bloodlust was unquenchable. People learned the monsters couldn’t be out in the daytime and fought back. The remaining creatures fled the sun-drenched region, eventually finding refuge in Europe. The rest you know.”

“That’s incredible.” And heartbreaking. It was like something out of an adventure novel or a fantasy movie. “You’re how old? Four thousand years? Five?”

“Ten. The Egyptian gods are ancient. They don’t bother much with Earth anymore. They’ve mostly moved on to other worlds but do pop in now and again. They don’t play well with the Greeks and Roman and Norse gods who still treat the world as their playground. Although the angels and demons are the biggest players in daily human life.”

Her head spun with the possibilities. It was almost too much to take in. “You’re telling me that angels and demons are running around? And gods? Like Apollo and Odin?”

“Apollo is a dick, but Odin is great to party with.”

“Are you messing with me?” It was impossible to tell.

“Not about angels and demons. And Apollo is a dick. I keep away from the gods whenever possible.”

“What about Odin?” This conversation was crazy but fascinating. How much had he seen in his lifetime? There’d been much suffering and horror, but there had to be some good stuff, too. At least she hoped there was.

“I really don’t know him well, although I heard he rather enjoyed that Viking television show.”

She held up her hand. “Enough. I don’t think I can take anymore.”

Asher laughed, and she was glad to see him smile. “It’s a very complex world we live in.”

“Tell me about it. It was complicated enough before I knew any of this.”

He sobered and took her hand in his. “I’m sorry you were pulled into this. You don’t deserve it.” His lips brushed over her palm, making her toes curl beneath the blankets.

“You actually have the blood of a goddess in you?” That was downright scary and boggled her mind. Gods and goddesses were actually real. Sure, it made sense, but she’d never really considered it before, not in any real way.

“Yes.” His words were curt, and his expression closed. Got it. Don’t ask about the goddess, not directly, at least.

He’d already shared more than she’d expected, so she left off with her questions. “I’m sorry about your family.” Didn’t matter how much time had passed, some hurts never faded.

“Thank you. What about you?” he asked.

Fair was fair, and she’d promised. He could pluck the information from her mind if he wanted. That he’d ask and respect her wishes meant everything and reinforced her decision to trust him.

She rubbed her fingers of her free hand over the top of the luxurious down-filled comforter. His past gave new meaning to the Egyptian cotton sheets on the bed. She’d checked the pillowcase label before settling in because they were so soft and cozy. And she was procrastinating. Thinking about the past was upsetting.

“I spent the first fifteen years of my life believing the biggest worries I had were the drug dealers and gangs that roamed the neighborhood.”

“Where did you grow up?” He shifted closer, heat radiating from his body. He still had hold of her hand, and she didn’t bother pulling it away. It was calming to have him running this thumb over her palm.

“Chicago. Rough neighborhood. My parents were good people who worked hard. My dad was a mechanic. My mom was a clerk at the corner grocery. I was an only child, and they doted on me. Still, I was alone a lot. I’d help out as much as I could with the cooking and cleaning while they were at work.”

She swallowed back the pain that never seemed to quite leave her. “We had a tiny apartment. My bedroom was really a storage closet, only big enough for a cot and a nightstand with two drawers that doubled as a dresser. Dad hung shelves on the walls for me to put my small treasures. Mom painted the walls in vibrant colors.” She hadn’t thought about that place in a long time. Along with the bad memories she’d blocked out the good ones.

“They loved you.” It wasn’t a question.

“They did. They gave me my own private sanctuary.”

“What happened?”

“My mom was a really beautiful woman.”

“You take after her.”

She shook her head. “I’m more like my dad. Mom could have been a model. People would literally stop and stare when she walked by. Men tried to woo her, but she’d laugh and say she only had eyes for my dad. They were completely in love.”

Memories of the two of them dancing around their crowded living room made her smile. “Mom could sing, too. Voice of an angel. She sang in the church choir every Sunday.”

Her fingers were gripping his now so tight that if he’d been human, she might have broken them. She eased up. “Sorry about that.”

He waved off her concern. “It’s fine.” He brushed his fingers over her face. The tiny caress settled her. “What happened to them, Jo?”

“My dad used to joke that he’d wanted a son he could name Joey. My mom would always shake her finger at him and tell me not to listen to his lies. That he’d prayed for a little girl he could call Josephine. They both called me Jo.” She was rambling. Anything to keep from having to think about the night her life had changed.

“Maybe it was because of my mom’s looks. There’s no way to know what attracts a vamp.”

“No, there’s not. Sometimes they stalk victims. Other times, it’s just who happens in their path when they’re on a spree.”

“Mom got home late from work one night. There were marks on her neck.”

“Intentional, then.”

“Yeah.” Just get it done, she told herself. Dragging it out was only making it worse.

“Dad lost his mind, accused her of cheating. She was terrified, having no idea how the marks had gotten there. I was so scared. They’d never fought before. I went to my room, shut the door, and sat there in the dark listening.” It had rocked her world to the core. God, her stomach had ached so bad she’d almost vomited. Her arms and legs had trembled uncontrollably. Her parents never had cross words, at least none she’d ever heard.

She swallowed heavily, the soup she’d eaten churning in her stomach. Asher moved to sit alongside her and lifted her into his arms. “You don’t have to do this,” he told her.

“I do. You shared with me.” Fair was fair.

“I did it willingly. This is upsetting you.”

“It is, but I’ve remembered good things I’d blocked out.” Tears threatened, but she blinked them back. She’d shed a lifetime of tears already and they changed nothing. “There was a loud bang. My dad yelled for my mom to run. I opened the door just a crack and peeked out. There was a man in the room with scary red eyes, talons instead of nails, and sharp teeth. The creature ripped out my father’s throat when he tried to protect her. Then he went for my mother. She was praying, but it didn’t save her. I should have screamed for help, should have done something. I hid under my bed.”

Shame washed over her. Her cowardice was unforgivable. Better to have died with them than to live with the overwhelming guilt she carried with her every day of her life.

“You were a child in shock at seeing your parents brutally slaughtered.”

She shook her head, refusing to take the easy out. “I was fifteen, almost an adult. My father kept a handgun in his bedside table. I could have run to their room and gotten it.”

“You wouldn’t have made it. You would have died.” He ran a hand over her shoulder and down her arm and back up again, trying to soothe her.

“Then I should have died.”

“No!” Asher snapped. “You were destined to survive to become a champion for those too weak to fight, those innocents unaware of the creatures stalking them. If you’d died then, how many others would have been slain?”

“But my parents—”

“No. They would have wanted you to live. To wish your death does them a disservice.”

God, he was right. She was wallowing in her guilt, throwing herself a pity party. The police had had to push her father’s body away from the door to get to her. He’d protected her right to the end.

Asher gently caught the tear that escaped and rolled down one cheek. “I’m sorry.” She took a deep breath and brought herself back under control.

“Don’t be sorry. No child should have to go through what you did. But because you did, because of what you’ve become, you’ve saved other children that same heartache.”

“You really think so?” That gave her hope that maybe there had been some greater purpose to her survival than simply plain cowardice and fear.

“I know so. We were fated to meet.”

Was he right? There’d been so much death in both their lives. But they were here now. The memories were too close, hurt too much. She needed something good to counter them, wanted to taste life.

The brown of his eyes almost vanished as his pupils expanded. He swallowed hard as she lifted her face to him. “Jo?” Hoarse and low with desire, he stayed frozen in place.

“Make me forget the pain.”

He shook his head, his lips tightening. “You’re emotional right now.”

“You’re right.” They both were. “But I’m thinking straight. I want this.”

On a groan that was as much pain as pleasure, he gently pressed his lips to hers.

…

Asher’s heart was breaking for the young girl Jo had been. They both had scars but hers made his heart ache. They were fresher, newer. His were little more than ancient history, the faces of his family faded over time. The world he’d inhabited as a child was nothing but dust. Hers still existed, the memories little more than a decade old.

He longed to know what had happened to her after. Where had she gone? Had anyone been there for her? That would come later, but only if she chose to share.

She’s vulnerable right now.

Yet how could he refuse her plea? He was no saint, and his desire for her warred with the need to care for her.

Take it slowly.

The kisses were light, barely there touches that hinted at darker passions. Allowing her to set the pace, he ignored the lust demanding satisfaction and allowed his lips to skim hers, his tongue to stroke the plumpness of her bottom lip.

Time slipped away. There was no past, no present. Only the two of them existed.

He could kiss her forever and never grow tired. Every sigh, every groan, was a gift.

It was Jo who slid her tongue into his mouth, she who teased and demanded more. Tightening his arms around her, he gave her what she asked.

The kiss had started out as one of comfort, an intimate touch to remind her that she wasn’t alone. Now it was a wildfire that burned through his veins, demanding to be slaked.

She threaded her fingers through his hair, shoving the tie out of her way and gripping hanks of it. This was no longer about forgetting the past but embracing what was between them.

Jo was no shrinking violet. The hardships of her past had shaped her, honed her, turned her into a deadly fighting machine, a woman with a mission. But as tough as she might be, beneath it all beat the heart of the girl who’d lost her parents in the most horrific way.

“Are you sure?” He wanted no regrets.

“Yes.” There was no hesitation, no quiver of doubt in her voice.

He yanked the covers down, not wanting anything between them. Her lips were moist from their kisses and slightly puffy. When she licked them, he feared he might explode before he got inside her.

He gritted his teeth and counted to twenty in Arabic.

It’s not going to impress her if you go off like a Fourth of July firework.

Her nipples were hard nubs, pushing against the thin fabric covering her. His shirt was a simple garment on the hanger; on her it was as seductive as any lingerie. The musky scent of her arousal teased his nostrils.

A need even more compelling than bloodlust gripped him. His lust for her went to the core of his being, until even the very cells of his body craved her. But it was tempered by a deep caring and desire to make this good for her.

Like a fine wine, he wanted to savor this moment. There was only one first time.

“Asher.” She tilted her head to the side and studied him. “Is anything wrong?”

“Not a damn thing.” His clothes were gone in a flash. Then he knelt on the bed, looming over her. “Let me strip you naked and kiss every inch of your skin?”

Her heartbeat was elevated, but that was due to passion, not fear. The scent of her arousal was a heady perfume in the air.

“God, yes,” she moaned. “Less talk. More action.”

He smiled, something he hadn’t thought possible with all the conflicting emotions bombarding him, but that was Jo. Only she had this kind of effect on him.

“You want more action?” When she nodded, he tucked his fingers inside the collar of the shirt and yanked. The fabric tore all the way to the hem. He shoved the pieces apart, opening the garment as he would a much-anticipated present.

Because Jo was a gift beyond price. It wasn’t just her breasts, which were perfectly shaped, the nipples taut red buds. Or the enticement of sensual promise in her eyes. It was her indomitable spirit. The way she stood up to him, didn’t back down from fear but met it head-on. It was the way she fought back tears, chagrined over shedding a single one as though it somehow made her weak, when it only highlighted her strength.

His hands shook as he cupped the full mounds and lightly squeezed. When she moaned, his balls constricted.

“Now.” She moved restlessly on the bed, her body undulating toward him.

“Not yet.” He planned to explore every inch of her smooth skin and started by stroking his fingertips down her torso. Goose bumps broke out in their wake.

His hunter had led a hard life. Scars marred her flesh, a testament to her courage. How many times had death lingered? How many times had she fought back? One was about six inches long and curved over her stomach. He pressed his lips against the old injury.

When he looked up at her in question, she shook her head. “Not now.”

Right, but he would know…eventually. No doubt she’d slain the creature that had caused it. Otherwise she wouldn’t be here.

The winds of fury ramped up inside him, a raging hurricane ready to be released. He tamped them down, unwilling to do anything that might damage her any further. She was his, imprinted on his very blood and bones.

This was about pleasure, about the joy of two people coming together to share the most intimate act in the world. It was about honoring her, showing her how much he cared.

He feathered kisses over the faded white lines of each past injury. He couldn’t take them away, nor did he want to. They were symbols of battles won and had helped hone her into the woman she was.

He licked and sucked each finger, nibbled his way up her arms. Her nipples were hard and red, begging to be sucked. He took one into his mouth and flicked his tongue over the tip. It was sweet and salty at the same time.

Jo dug her nails into his skin, ran her palms over his biceps and down his spine, kneaded his muscles. They rolled across the bed, fighting for dominance, not really concerned with who won. He kissed her because he had to taste her again. Her sultry laugh had his balls trying to climb into his body. His dick was one hairsbreadth from exploding, and he hadn’t gotten to explore below her waist yet.

Sweat beaded on their bodies as their heated flesh glided together. “I have to taste you.” It was imperative.

She reached a hand between them and stroked his shaft. “You sure?”

His eyes rolled back in his head at the ecstasy her touch evoked. His groan echoed around them. With a massive roar, he heaved himself down the bed, burrowed between her strong thighs, and licked her slick folds.

Sweet. Had he ever tasted anything as sweet as her essence? Greedy for more, he went back again and again, dipping between her thighs.

Gasping, she bucked her hips against him. “More.”

“I’ll give you more. I’ll give you everything.” He teased her clit with the tip of his tongue before sucking on the sensitive nub.

“Asher.” His name fell from her lips, a plea and a curse. “Now.” Her fingers dug into his shoulders, and her legs clamped around him.

When he eased one finger into her slick core, her entire body went rigid. He curled the finger and dragged it over the lining of her sensitive sheath. Her cry of release almost made his head explode.

Mine.

Unstoppable, he flowed up her body and impaled her in one smooth thrust. Wet from her orgasm, her inner muscles rippled around his dick, accepting his invasion.

Supporting his weight on his forearms, he thrust hard. Keeping the strokes short and fast, he pounded into her. The headboard slammed against the wall. Something rattled on the dresser and fell with a clatter.

Slow down.

“Don’t stop,” she commanded, her words contradicting his thoughts.

Breathing ragged, blood pumping hard, he shoved his arms beneath her and sat upright, taking her with him so they were facing each other. The new position pushed him even deeper. His balls were hard and tight, every muscle in his body straining toward one end.

She looped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He drank in her gasps, her sighs. Reveled in the sharp punch of her nails in his skin. Loved the way she moved against him, with him.

He raised her several inches only to drop her back down. It was perfection. It was torture.

“Come for me again.” He raked his teeth over the slender column of her neck. Her pulse fluttered wildly. Her heart raced.

Pain and pleasure swirled. The explosive mixture ripped through him. He threw back his head, a guttural groan escaping him, as his orgasm shot from his balls and out the tip of his cock. He closed his eyes, shuttering them so she wouldn’t see the reddish tinge that washed over them whenever he was gripped by strong emotions.

Jo cried out again and buried her face in the curve of his neck.

He held her against him, one hand cupping the back of her head, the other against the small of her back. He sucked air into his lungs, pleasure warring with pain.

Don’t bite.

The urge to break the tender flesh, to taste the richness of her blood clawed at him. He licked his lips and started to lower his head. It would be so easy.

No! He flung himself away, horrified at what he’d almost done. After everything she’d told him, had given him, to even consider such a thing was unconscionable.

I’m a monster.

He had to get away before he did something that could not be undone. His feet were barely on the ground before she jumped on his back, her arms twined around his neck, her legs locked around his waist.

It happened so fast it froze him in place.

“It’s all right.” She pressed her lips against him. “I saw your fangs drop and your eyes go red.”

“It’s not all right.” Hands fisted on his thighs, he wanted to hit something, anything to drive out the pain consuming him. That he could have even contemplated taking her blood after what she’d told him was inexcusable.

“You’re only human.” A quick pause and then a laugh. “Okay, not really, but what happened was natural.”

He reached behind him and swung her around until she was on his lap facing him, her breasts pillowed against his hard chest. “I won’t ever bite you.” It was an unbreakable vow. “I’ll safeguard you, even from me.”

She threaded her fingers through his hair, running her nails over his scalp in the most glorious caress, sending shivers of pleasure racing down his spine. “You’re forgetting one thing.”

“Right now, I’m forgetting a lot of things.” With her pressing against him, the heat and scent of their lovemaking seeping into his skin, and her lips teasing his, it was a wonder he could follow a single thought.

“I’m a hunter. I’d stop you.”

Asher released a huge sigh. She was right, to a degree. While she couldn’t beat him, couldn’t destroy him—no matter how much she might wish it at times—she could stop him long enough for him to come to his senses.

“Why aren’t you afraid of me?” Everyone he’d met, with the exception of Maccus and the gods, feared him. Her earlier fear of him seemed to have passed.

Her smile was soft and beguiling. She bewitched him with her different colored eyes. There was no other in the world comparable to his Jo.

“I’m not sure. I’ve seen so much death and destruction. I’ve spilled blood. I know what it means to be different, to be an outsider in this world. But mostly I feel it here.” She lifted his right hand and pressed it over her heart. The strong thud settled him. “It makes no logical sense. My job as a hunter dictates I should stab you through the heart or take off your head. But even when I tried, I didn’t really want to succeed. And that’s a first.”

He captured her face in his hands and pressed a solemn kiss against her lips. “I won’t do anything that will give you cause to turn your sword on me.”

“See that you don’t, because lover or not, I will fight back. Now that we have that settled, I’m not done with you yet.” She grabbed his still very hard dick, fitted it to her body, and then lowered herself. They both moaned. He wrapped his arms around her and simply held on for the ride.